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Cape Town - BMW South Africa has confirmed the third-generation X3 will be launched in November this year, sporting five models.
The big news is the first ever M Performance model in the range: M40i.
The X3 was first launched in 2003 and according to BMW, more than 1.5-million units of the X3 have since rolled off the assembly line.
Trio of model lines
Customers can choose from three model lines: xLine, Luxury Line and M Sport – and the Individual range of products to offer a more bespoke look inside and out.
Off-road ability
The X3 has an approach angle of (25.7°) and departure angle of (22.6°). BMW says together with a break over angle of 19.4°, the X3 shouldn't have an issue negotiating steep sections or crests.
Planning on driving through a river? The claimed fording depth of 500mm should be more than enough.
For models equipped with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive the system now features a lighter rear differential and a modified transfer case, which made its debut in the current 7 Series. BMW says this aids efficiency and helping with the car’s 50:50 weight distribution.
M Performance model
The range-topping X3 M40i will be the first M Performance Automobile in this model series.
Featuring a tweaked chassis, including reduced unsprung mass and sophisticated axle kinematics, it elevates sporty handling to another new level.
From the launch of the new model (or shortly afterwards), the engine line-up will feature three petrol and two diesel engine variants with outputs from 135kW to 265kW. All models will use the eight-speed steptronic transmission.
BMW says the latest X3 weighs up to 55kgs less than its predecessor model thanks to intelligent lightweight construction; it has a drag coefficient of 0.29.
Intelligent systems
Expect an operating system, with optional gesture control and Intelligent Voice Assistant, BMW says owners can operate functions including the optional auxiliary heating using the optional Display Key.
A system called CoPilot features options such as the latest generation of Active Cruise Control and the Driving Assistant Plus safety package including Steering and lane control assistant, Lane Change Assistant (available from December 2017) and Lane keeping assistant with side collision protection provide extensive scope for (semi-) automated driving.
The full range of latest-generation BMW Connected functions are available.
